From a Reading Specialist in elementary school

A short story: Three years ago I began working with Alex, a first grader and a very bright boy. He was having major difficulty learning to read, yet medical exams showed “no problems with vision.” My observations suggested that Alex had severe problems with visual skills, but my opinions about his visual system, as a reading teacher, were of course discounted. He did the Gemstone program, and succeeded, but his problems were not overcome.

In second grade we convinced the parents to take their son to a developmental optometrist who enrolled him in vision therapy. He did well, and his reading level improved to at least grade level. However, there were still tracking and convergence issues.

In the summers between second and third and again between third and forth grades for Alex, I sent home balance and spin equipment. His visual skills improved, but they still were not great.

Then in November of this year, in fourth grade, Adam began his second round of Gemstone. His convergence skills improved immediately, and the classroom teacher said he just took off. “Wow,” is what she wrote on his semester report card. “He became a different kid and is functioning at the high level of which he is capable. The parents are thrilled! Hurray for Gemstone!” (Well, I guess that wasn’t such a short story after all.) But I wanted to share it because you are all making a difference in kids’ lives. Thank you!